About this user
His Parents Personal Example Moves Kurt to Serve
Kurt Kelly grew up with a strong set of values. His father was a true Renaissance man a Southern Baptist pastor, a junior high school teacher, a cattle rancher and a Christmas tree farmer. At Christmas time he would invite area children and their families to his Santa Forest in Ocala to cut down their trees. Kurts mother, too, is a leader in her field. She taught for 38 years in local schools and shes still pursuing her passion today. Now Dr. Evelyn Kelly is a professional at St. Leo University and has authored numerous books on health-related issues.
From Faithful Son to Busy Student, Young Kurt Makes his Mark
Kurt is the second of four Kelly kids and the only son. He and his sisters received their share of lessons on the family farm and in their fathers sermons. Helping neighbors in need was a foundation of his faith and upbringing, but Kurt also took to heart his parents biblical instruction to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. To that end, he became a leader in his school from class president at St. Johns Lutheran to president of the Key Club at Vanguard High. A true student-athlete, he starred at center for his high school football team and near the top in his graduating class.
Devotion to Faith and Family Keeps Success in Perspective
Kurt Kelly was just getting started on his education and on his life. At Central Florida Community College he was elected to lead the student body, was asked to join a renowned signing group and was named the Colleges outstanding student by receiving the coveted Florida Blue Key Award. Years later, while working in Ft. Lauderdale and singing in the Baptist church there, he met (and eventually married) Sally Banker. Intent on starting a family of their own, they followed their hearts home to Central Florida where Kurts academic accomplishments at CFCC helped him land a job there forging partnerships with area businesses.
Another Calling for Kurt: Advance the Conservative Cause
Kurt Kelly knows public service. He earned his political science degree at Florida State University and interned at the State Capitol. His first real job was as a Legislative Aide for a Republican House Member. In 1985, Kurt was able to burnish his conservative credentials by directing the Alliance for Responsible Growth, a citizen-based group in Ft. Lauderdale that succeeded in driving out adult bookstores and other businesses that pushed pornographic materials.
Jebs Man in Central Florida: Kurt Kelly Gives Voice to Our Values
For 20 years, Kurt has been a dedicated servant of his church, his party and his community. Even while raising a young family and running a successful business, he has made time for leadership roles in local civic clubs and charitable causes. He serves as a Deacon at Ocalas First Baptist Church, where he also taught Sunday School for ten years. He chaired the Presidential campaign of George H.W. Bush in Marion County. The local Vets Helping Vets chapter has recognized Kurt with its Eagle Award for going above and beyond the call of duty.
In 2001, Governor Jeb Bush, appointed Kurt to a vacancy on the Marion County School Board where he has championed higher standards, innovative programs and a greater emphasis on traditional values in our schools.
Conservative Leader in the Florida Legislature
Kurt Kelly is a strong, passionate leader who has an exceptional conservative record of accomplishments. During the 2009 Legislative Session, Kurt focused on improving Floridas economy and protecting our citizens. Kurt was the leader of a powerful bipartisan team of legislators who passed prescription drug abuse legislation that will reduce the number of deaths from abuse of prescription drugs. He helped pass important legislation that cut taxes for businesses so they could provide jobs for Central Floridians.
During Kurts first Legislative Session in 2008, he spearheaded legislation that provided protection to victims of dating violence and threats to our citizens called the Barwick/Rucshak Act, a new law that gained national exposure in June 2009 on ABCs 20/20. Rep. Kelly recently made headlines on December 31, 2009, when Florida newspapers reviewed the one-year-old law showing that it significantly helped law enforcement keep our citizens safe. Kelly was also recognized as the 2008 Freshman Legislator of the Year by the Florida Association of Counties.
Hometown
Ocala
Country
United States
Occupation
Florida State Representative
Companies
President/CEO and founder of 3-D Background Screening.
KurtKellyforCongress
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